Celebrate Holiday Hullabaloo this Saturday

The month before Christmas provides many traditions, such as making or giving gingerbread houses. There were dozens lined up on a recent morning at Gelson’s.

Palisades Holiday Tradition to Continue

With Holiday Hullabaloo December 8

Since 1949, the Pacific Palisades community has celebrated the holiday season with the arrival of Santa Claus.

Until this fall, the Palisades Chamber of Commerce had organized the event, generally closing off Swarthmore Avenue or Antioch Street for the early-evening festivities. The event was widely attended by residents, and even after their children were long grown, residents would still come out to visit and enjoy the camaraderie of neighbors.

When the Chamber discontinued the tradition this year without warning, a group of Palisades residents gathered together to keep Holiday Ho!Ho!Ho! alive. Buoyed by an outpouring of support, and having only two weeks to organize everything, the organizers will present Holiday Hullabaloo 2018, “60 Years of Joy!”

The free event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, at the Palisades Recreation Center, 851 Alma Real. Organizations that had performed for years at the Ho!Ho!Ho!, but were shunned at the Caruso Palisades Village tree-lighting ceremony, will be performing and include Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts, Fancy Feet dancers, various schools choirs and the local Oom PaPa Band. There will be special guest elves, music and other entertainment.

Plus, face painting, a balloon man, a photo booth, hot chocolate and whipped cream and a cookie/gingerbread decorating station. There will be a homemade bake contest and a parents “chill” area. For more information, visit: happypalisades.eventbrite.com

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via the Station 69 fire truck and be available (for free) to listen to wishes and dreams. Everyone is invited to take their own photos or videotape.

People are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped gift to benefit foster kids (ages 11-18).

Key organizer Lisa Glantz wrote on Nextdoor Palisades, “Our group of amazing volunteers and supporters have worked nonstop arranging our holiday celebration by and for all of us. Bring the kids and join your friends and neighbors as we embrace community.”

Glantz noted that she couldn’t take credit for organizing the event. “This has snowballed because of everyone stepping forward and the Palisades wave of good cheer—especially Sarah Kamdar, Lou Kamer and Barbara Edleman, stepping up as event coordinators. Miraculous!”

This human snow globe was found on the streets of Barcelona on November 22, when the streets were filled with bands and people, to celebrate the eve of Black Friday.